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Have you made your own Jecklin disc?
Yes. I have made several.
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Was there a guide you followed?
No. It's not rocket science. A Jecklin disc is supposed to be a very simplified reproduction of the human head. The disc is usually 8 inches in diameter and covered in foam or carpet. The mic's are placed 4 inches away from the center of the disc. However, I found that making the disc 12-14 inches in diameter and setting the mics 8 inches from the disc worked best (double Jecklin's original distance).
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Originally Posted by MrGreen /img/forum/go_quote.gif
What are some examples of decent holophonic microphones?
Tough question because I don't think there are any. The best holophonic microphone you can get is the Schoeps Stereo Sphere Microphone Model KFM-6. However, just the basic microphone will run you at least $6,000.00 USD. A company named "THE" also makes a sphere microphone except that it is made out of wood. The quality is great as well but also runs into the multi-thousand dollar range...if you can find one.
If you go to my blog and listen to one of my Adventures In Binaural Recording, what you hear is a slightly modified DIY holophonic microphone that I built that cost me under $500.00! It's recording quality is similar to much more expensive microphones and it's size is very portable.
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Originally Posted by MrGreen /img/forum/go_quote.gif
Does the schneider disc have superior front and rear imaging, like the dummy head?
No. Nothing really compares to a properly designed, properly built and properly post-processed dummy head recordings. The Schneider is only slightly better than a Jecklin and even then it depends what you are recording. IMHO, it's only slightly better with regards to side positioning but about the same with regards to front and back localization. In other words, the main difference between the two is in soundstage. I would personally use a Schneider Disc for small ensembles and a Jecklin Disc for large ensembles like a symphony orchestra. If you want accurate frontal and rear localization, it's best to go with a slightly modified holophonic microphone or a dummy head.
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Have you used stereo mics with a membrane built in between the two (so basically a miniature jecklin disc)?
Yes. I have experimented with various stereo minimalist mic'ing techniques. A mini-Jecklin or mini-Schneider will not provide the soundstage nor the localization you are looking for. I have found that with both designs, bigger is usually better. However, if it is too big, you will have to adjust your sound during post processing to compensate for certain problems. However, once that compensation is done, it will sound phenomenal. My recommendation would be to stick to a disc that is around 12 - 14 inches in diameter and the microphones spaced 8 inches from the center of the disc. With that configuration, you will not really need much post-processing.
Critical to all these techniques is
PLACEMENT! All of these techniques require very careful placement of the microphones as they will pick up everything...every little nuance, cough, movement, reflection, etc. You need a good room, good musicians and good placement and very accurate monitoring for these techniques to sound best.
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You're welcome.